I’ll state the obvious, you are on your feet more than any other profession. Not only that but what are some factors that exacerbate your foot and body aches?
1. Environment
What's underneath your shoes? The floor! And nothing is worse for your joints than concrete or tile floors. We often discuss this while talking about running. It's actually better for your joints if you run on dirt trails, gravel, or grass. Over time, running on sidewalks and roads can take a toll on your joints. Since you can't change the environment in which you work, it's important to compensate for the lack of cushioning.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
Why are you at higher risk of plantar fasciitis? We talk a bit about this in what to consider before purchasing shoes. There are two parts to this:
Support
Believe it or not, too much support can actually be a bad thing. It can isolate and weaken the muscles in your foot. It might feel good temporarily, but it can lead to plantar fasciitis down the road. The key is to find the "Goldilocks" level of support and cushioning that helps strengthen your foot muscles while providing adequate support.
Stretching
I've spent a lot of time reading through podiatric journals about plantar fasciitis, and the biggest takeaway is to stretch your calf muscles. It may sound a bit strange, but let me explain. In all your micro-movements of standing, walking, and intermittently running, you're actually building muscle in your calves. And as you know, the first rule of building muscle is to stretch that muscle. Stretching helps reduce the build-up of lactic acid, prevents soreness, and minimizes the risk of injury. When your calf muscle tightens up like a rubber band, it pulls up on the muscles surrounding your heel and arch. This tightening affects your IT bands, which then impacts your knees and hips. This is where we'll discuss how your shoes can affect your overall joint alignment.
I understand that you're exhausted when you get home. Finding time to stretch can be challenging. The same can be said for people who work at a desk all day. Being sedentary requires desk workers to get up, move around, and exercise a bit. Fortunately, you have the exercise part down since you're getting 8,000-10,000 or more steps in a shift. Now, your responsibility is to prevent musculoskeletal problems by incorporating stretching into your routine.
3. Alignment
As you already know, the hip bone is connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone is connected to the... and so on. The more properly your feet are supported, the better your whole body will feel. Extensive research has been conducted on how footwear affects your musculoskeletal system. In fact, Harvard has a department dedicated to this very topic. There is some truth to the saying, "you die from your feet up." So, I urge you to invest in your foot health now to ensure quality longevity in your life. And remember, don't just wear shoes because everyone else is wearing them or because some marketing campaign tells you they're comfortable. Wear shoes that prioritize your health and overall well-being.
In conclusion, the importance of your shoes cannot be overstated. As a professional who spends the majority of your time on your feet, the right footwear is crucial for your comfort and long-term health. Considering factors such as the environment you work in, the risk of plantar fasciitis, the right amount of support, and the benefits of stretching, it becomes evident that your shoes play a significant